Ethnicity, Genocide and International Security

The research paper explored the complex nexus of ethnicity, genocide and the general framework of international security and explained how ethnic identities are politicised to increase the level of genocidal violence in conflict areas, and how the process of destabilising the regions development. Its main aim is to examine the nature of the ethnic-based violence in the regional and international security systems and how effective the international mechanisms are in curbing such a crisis, especially the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) framework. The theoretical basis of the analysis is the Ethnic Conflict Theory developed by Donald L. Horowitz who argues that ethnic identity, resource scarcity and historical resentments entrenched in the past are the main factors which lead to interethnic violence. The study is methodologically qualitative as it uses a selected collection of secondary sources, such as scholarly treatises, peer-reviewed journal articles, governmental publications, and other credible international news outlets. The facts show that politicisation of ethnicity make mobilisation of collective identities directing to armed conflict an easier task, thus increasing the instability of the region, triggering a mass displacement, promoting growth of armed groups, and decaying state power. The inquiry also shows that international community reaction to ethnic genocides has been seen to be inconsistent and full of delays and this is because of a combination of political manoeuvvering and institutional limitations. Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity to be more proactive and harmonised in international reacting to ethnic conflicts, to fortify international legal frameworks, to strengthen regional collaboration, and to make a difference by empowering local civil society organisations. Strong measures that have been recommended involve strengthening the application of R2P, enhancing regional cooperation on conflict prevention and empowering the activities of the grassroots organisations in reducing ethnic tension even before such tension turns violent. The study also suggests that veto power of the Council should be abrogated, or at least suspended, where the situations are dominated by humanitarian interests, to prevent mortal violence against unarmed civilians in the territories of the veto states, being like the ones in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, Israel, and Iran.